Typically, bulletproof vehicles are large, bulky, often high-end, sometimes truck-derived rides designed to handle the extra weight of the armor and glass. Normally, you’d think of an armored Chevy Tahoe or a Mercedes S-Class. However, in a rather unconventional move, this company opted to produce an armored Subaru Crosstrek.
And no, before all you Subaru enthusiasts point out the reliability concerns, this car isn’t reinforced mechanically. It’s essentially an up-armored Subaru Crosstrek by Armormax, boasting a modest 152 horsepower and 145 pounds-feet of torque, struggling to move without any additional weight. Furthermore, it lacks heavy-duty credentials, being based on the standard Subaru Impreza compact car. On the surface, it appears to be the least suitable vehicle for armor plating.
In reality, the choice seems illogical. Its small size limits space for the necessary bulk to armor it. The specifics of the armor treatment remain ambiguous, but the company claims it can withstand a .44 Magnum or AR-15. The frequency and locations where this protection applies are uncertain, yet there is an optional undercarriage bomb shield available. The company’s selling point for this car is an affordable armored vehicle, starting at $50,000.
If the visuals are accurate, it still rides on standard tires and suspension. Adding armor to stop bullets or bombs usually entails substantial weight, meanwhile, the Crosstrek’s lackluster power and compact design make it a truly peculiar option. Even a higher-trim Outback would be more logical due to its turbo engine. Alternatively, opting for a slightly larger SUV from another manufacturer equipped with a V6 would make more sense. Frankly, any alternative would be far more sensible than a Crosstrek. No offense intended to Crosstrek owners.
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